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North Korea Warns of Nuclear War if U.S. Interferes with Ballistic Missile Test |
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Written by Staff
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Monday, 03 July 2006 |
North Korea has issued a dire warning to the United States that any attempt by the U.S. to engage in a pre-emptive strike against the tiny nation would result in an "annihilating strike" and a nuclear war.
The U.S. has been closely monitoring North Korea with greater intensity over the last several weeks as that country prepares for the test-launch of a long range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The missile, a Taepodong-2 is an untested multi-stage missile with a potential travelling range of 5,600 km (3,500 miles) - more than enough to reach parts of the U.S. and western Canada.
The United States has said that such a test would be considered a "very serious matter" and they would be prepared to take "appropriate measures in response". On June 22 U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney stated that the Bush administration would continue with diplomatic measures with North Korea and denied any plans that the U.S. was planning a pre-emptive strike. Cheney added, "If you are going to launch strikes at another nation, you better be prepared to not fire just one shot. The fact of the matter is, I think, the issue is being addressed appropriately."
A North Korean communist news wire service said on the weekend that their country is now fully prepared to "answer a pre-emptive attack with a relentless annihilating strike and a nuclear war with a mighty nuclear deterrent." |
